Fatman Scoop, a popular US rapper, has died at the age of 53.
His family and manager announced his passing on Saturday after he collapsed during a live performance at Hamden Town Centre Park in Connecticut.
The rapper, famous for his songs “Be Faithful” and “It Takes Scoop,” suddenly fell on stage while performing.
Emergency medical staff quickly tried to help him by giving CPR on stage, but he was later taken to the hospital where doctors could not save him.
A video of the incident was shared by the celebrity news site TMZ, showing the efforts to revive him. He was eventually carried off the stage on a stretcher.
In an emotional post on Instagram, his family expressed their deep sadness, saying, “It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic Fatman Scoop. His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity.”
His manager, Birch Michael, also confirmed his death on Facebook, saying, “I love you Scoop. Thank you for everything you gave to me.”
Missy Elliott, a fellow hip-hop star, paid tribute on social media, saying, “Voice and energy have contributed to many songs that made the people feel happy and want to dance for over two decades. Your impact is huge and will be never be forgotten.”
Radio host Shelley Wade also shared her sorrow, posting a photo with Scoop and noting, “We are losing too many of our hip-hop legends too soon. Rest easy, Scoop.”
In 2018, Fatman Scoop was involved in a controversy in Australia when the country’s then-prime minister, Scott Morrison, used his song “Be Faithful” in a social media post.
Critics said the lyrics were inappropriate, leading Morrison to remove the post. Scoop responded by defending his music as a fun party song with no harm intended.
